Kickoff Classic In The Books, Football Returns To Practice

Aug. 31, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The eighth ranked University of Miami footballteam conducted a two-hour workout in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts onTuesday night at Mark Light Stadium on the UM campus. With the workout, theHurricanes began preparation for their home opener against Florida A&M onSaturday, September 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Orange Bowl.

Following the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis commented on thepractice and the benefits of working under the lights in preparation forSaturday’s game vs. FAMU.

“I think tonight was a really productive practice,” said Davis. “Itwas our first exposure to Florida A&M and we were able to work on them quitea bit. Working under the lights was a major part of the practice. We gotthe chance to catch the ball both offensively and defensively as well as thekicking game. It was good preparation for Saturday night.”

Davis was pleased with the practices of freshman tailbacks Jarrett Paytonand Clinton Portis. Payton and Portis are each listed as Miami’ssecond-string running back in place of sophomore Najeh Davenport. Davenportis expected to miss the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACLin his right knee, an injury suffered in last Sunday’s 23-12 win over OhioState in the Kickoff Classic.

Cornerback Delvin Brown (left ankle) missed practice and is day-to-day.There were no other significant injuries to report. Miami will return to practice on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at theGreentree Practice Facility. Practices are closed to the public.